thedispatch | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ What began as a heated conversation seemed to earn the curiosity of the lobby's dawdlers and passer-bys-- until it became downright explosive. The boisterous tone of voice was all too recognisable, for everyone there had found themselves subjected to Grell's charades at least once, and for most, that was one time too many. The smartest of them would turn on heel and leave the direction they came.

Unfortunately, those that were in the immediate vicinity wouldn't have such privilege. A foolish, albeit good-hearted young woman had just stepped between Grell and the target of her aggression, in hopes of diffusing the situation. Instead, the enraged redhead snatched the new receptionist by the hair. ]

Oh, is this what it's all about, then! This wagtail bitch?!

[ Immediately, several reapers jump in to take Grell's arms and detach her. While they are successful, it only earns a face-splitting grin from her - for, now, she has a better distraction. Flipping one man over her shoulder, she gives him a splitting kick before turning on the rest of them. It's nothing short of a brawl. ]

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Oh, you call this climbing all over you?

[ Pushing herself up, she doesn't shift her hold on him - and, as such, pushes him right back onto the couch to lay on top of him, cheek to cheek! ]

[ William huffs, having to readjust his glasses a second time. ]

Honestly? Get up.

[ Grell gives a sound of protest-- though, stops herself short with a huffy little sigh. ]

I suppose I'll go easy on you. This time.

[ To do so, she has to untangle herself from him, first! ]

[ Somehow, Grell's managed to not only tangle her limbs from him, but her hair as well. William sputters slightly, some apparently getting in his mouth. Then there's a tug where a few strands have found their way into the hinge of his glasses. ]

How do you even manage with all this?

[ A question he's had for decades. ]

[ Now, it's getting tangled into metal bits that leaves her yelping in distress. Tugging it loose comes with a wince, and she's left pouting at the ragged broken ends of the strands. ]

Being beautiful doesn't come easy...

[ Sitting at the spare bit of cushion at William's side, she's smoothing over the strands between her fingertips, to no avail. Giving up with a sigh, he attention lands back on him. ]

What, you don't like it?

[ William finally sits up, frowning as Grell fusses with her hair. ]

It's a bit much.

[ Lips parting with a gasp, she's very clearly affronted!! ]

I take it back, I don't want your opinion!

[ He shakes his head with a sigh. ]

It looks just as good on you short. It just seems more of a hassle at this length.

[ That seems like a bit of a compliment, and so, while she rolls her eyes, she relaxes a great deal. ]

Well, it makes me feel more feminine and pretty. I take a great deal of pride in it!

[ He supposes he can understand that. ]

Well, next time, tie it up first.

[ It takes a moment, but he eventually frowns at his words. ]

That wasn't an invitation to pounce on me, just to clarify.

[ Sitting back, she shoots him a devilishly mischievous look. ]

Oh, that makes it seem like such a serious endeavour... I rather like it!

[ It's also very ridiculous and she can't help but laugh-- while grabbing a ribbon from hammerspace to tie up her hair. Watch out! ]

I just said I wasn't inviting you to do so.

[ William scoots away to the opposite arm of the couch, turning from her so she can't knock him over again. ]

But you were presenting it as a very tempting option!

[ Though he's turned away from her, he hasn't left the couch, so he can't be too resistant to the idea! She crawls right over - very tipsy-like - to wrap her arms up over his shoulders and embrace him from behind, nestling against the back of his neck with an elated croon. ]

[ The alcohol in his system is doing a lot to weaken his perception. Because, once more, William's jumping when Grell is suddenly on him. Really, that shouldn't have taken him off guard. ]

Stop it.

[ He raises his shoulders defensively, as her bangs and eyelashes tickle the back of his neck. ]

Do you actually want me to stop?

[ Giving him a fond squeeze, she nuzzles her cheek there. ]

Or are you simply too stubborn to accept comfort from a friend, hm?

[ There's a bit of a grumble and then his shoulders relax. Wasn't part of his ex's complaint that he was too closed off? He huffs but doesn't forcefully remove Grell's arms from around him. ]

I suppose I must be. She said the same.

[ Those false lashes of hers will tickle his neck once more; she blinks, languidly, as she absorbs his words and processed them. Humming, she brushes her fingertips along one of his upper arms. ]

Hn. I imagine we've all closed ourselves off, in some way, in the simple interest of functioning beyond death.

[ Well, it seems the alcohol has made her rather sympathetic to his situation. Even a touch tender! She can't help but snerk a bit at herself. ]

Rather than put up a fight of any sort, she resigned. She failed you, darling. A waste of a woman, truly.

It will be some time before I can think of her in such a way.

[ Stubborn and closed off as he is, he'd loved her. William leans forward just enough to reach into the small travel bag he'd brought along. He fetches out a small box, presumably with the ring inside it. ]

Would you care for this, then? I doubt I will need it any longer. Perhaps it will fit.

[ Grell very nearly goes along with him while he leans, but it's with curiosity that she allows him the space to do so. Her hands relocate to settle at his shoulders, peering over one as he proceeds to show her the box. It gets her to draw a sharp breath. ]

What-- really?

[ Why is her throat tightening like this? Swallowing it down, she shakes her head. ]

I've always dreamt of a man giving me a ring, but not under these circumstances...

[ Still, she's very interested to see what he'd purchased for her, so she'll reach for the box, if he'll allow her to take it. ]

This isn't a proposal.

[ William frowns at her over his shoulder, but allows her to take the box. Inside, quite a unique ring is nestled. Gold band and a brilliant aquamarine stone. Certainly the taste of who was meant to receive it. Grell...maybe not so much. ]

[ None too subtly, Grell's nose wrinkles! ]

Well, thank God.

[ Reaching to cup his cheek, she's certain to look him in the eye. ]

I need you to promise that you'll never buy another ring without me there to advise.

[ William's brow creases in turn. ]

It's a perfectly nice ring. She wasn't a fan of ruby or garnet, if that's your issue with it.

[ Raising a brow, she huffs! ]

Please. Red would never have suited her.

[ Her arms encircle William, so that they may look at the ring together. ]

It's sizeable, surely, but for all the space it takes, it lacks detail! The implications of a flower shape are a horrifically simplified idea of femininity, and the stone's colour doesn't lean much in the way of romance, don't you think?

I assumed because it was her favorite stone that made it a fine choice.

[ He sighs. Yeah romance isn't his strong suit, that's for certain. ]

I doubt the jeweler will refund me, too.

[ Snapping the box closed, she rests her chin upon his shoulder with a hum. ]

Your intentions were far prettier, Will. And don't think that the generosity of your gesture was lost on me, either!

[ Taking his hand, she places the box back in it. ]

Remind me. I'll see what I can do.